I moved into my apartment 8 months ago. I’ve still been getting the previous tenant’s mail.
Not just a stray piece here and there but everything, more than the amount I receive addressed to myself and it’s every day. I have been writing “return to sender” on each piece for 8 months and dropping it off at the post office.
I noticed a piece of mail that looked like something a family would receive after someone dies so I searched online and found out she is deceased and found facebook accounts for her family members.
In order for the mail to stop the family has to bring the death certificate to the post office. This is supposed to be done when someone dies, but it appears it hasn’t been done.
WIBTA if I messaged the family about it? I’m trying to decide what to do and this seems to be the only option I can think of.
NTA. Just do it politely and respectfully. You may be receiving mail that they need.
YWNBTA to ask kindly of the family member to take care of the mail trouble.
You just need to tell your postman to only deliver mail with the last name and give them yours. If you can’t catch them, go to your local post office. It’s an easy process.
NTA. Are you in the US? If so, write “DECEASED. NOT AT THIS ADDRESS.” on each envelope and scribble out the name, address, and barcode in sharpie. Then put a laminated note (even in a ziploc baggie) titled “Only the following people live here:” with a list if all residents in your residence in the mailbox. That should help.
I have returned everything to sender and white out the barcodes. It is multiple pieces every day so it is a lot. I have told them only my mail should be delivered and posted my last name and maiden name.
If you are in the US and the list office said to bring a death certificate, they lied to you. Ask to speak to the postmaster in person. If you are at a satellite post office, go to the main office for your area. I’ve dealt with multiple deaths. They do not require that.
Are you just writing Return to Sender only or have you written Deceased on them as well? I’m only asking because you keep stressing that you’re writing return to sender. Not writing deceased does make a difference.
I say NTA. If I was them, I’d want to know. But it does depend on who they are and what they prefer.
But they don’t need a death certificate. You just need to speak with the actual postmaster. If that doesn’t work, you can file a complaint on the usps website.
Honestly, I don’t think you’d be the a**hole for contacting the family. You’ve already done what you can by marking it as ‘return to sender’ and it’s been months. If they haven’t taken care of it, it’s understandable that you’d want to stop the mail pileup. Just be respectful in how you approach them.
Contact the post office and let them know you want any mail for the name of the previous tenant stopped. They can throw the mail in the trash for you. It takes a while but eventually it should cease.
NTA
Weird. I notified my mail carrier. Sent a few pieces (that were repeatedly sent) back w “DECEASED/RETURN TO SENDER” on it. I’ve never in my life had to bring a dc to the post office.
Write deceased on the letters and send them back.
Whenever I go to the post office to try and resolve an issue, nothing gets done. I found that going to the USPS website and filing a complaint there motivates them better than an in person visit.
If you are in the USA you can take a copy of your lease to the post office and ask them to stop delivering mail for the former tenants.